Atticus Finch

Analytical Essay # 60601

English > Analysis
Literature > American

Atticus Finch

An analysis of the character of Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird".

749 words () | 0 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" depicts life in a small, southern town and the struggles one man and his family encounter trying to preserve justice. That man is Atticus Finch, a middle-aged lawyer and the father of Jem and Scout who is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a young black man accused of raping a white girl. It shows how Atticus is a man of very admirable character-who is even-tempered, wise, and courageous.

From the Paper:

"Atticus is an even-tempered man and remains calm under any circumstances, despite provocation. Concisely, he keeps his cool like no other. At one such time, Atticus tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose was a lady. Jem replies, "After all those things she said about you, a lady?" "She was," answers Atticus. (112) Mrs. Dubose, an elderly neighbor of the Finch's continually talks down about Atticus, and once even goes as far as to say that he is no better than the (Negro)'s and trash he works for. (117) In spite of this, Atticus always remains a gentleman to her and never mentions a word about it. Shortly after the trial, Mr. Bob Ewell stops Atticus on the post office corner and spits in his face, and tells him he will get him if it takes the rest of his life."